Conan rides to the aid of a maiden who is being pursued by sorcerous riders. Conan discovers that their prey is someone he knows, Zephra, daughter of the wizard Zukala, who had been sent to summon Conan.

Once his rescue is complete, Conan accompanies Zephra to see Zukala, who tells Conan that the powerful wizard Kulan Gath seeks to waken a power that would threaten the world: a Melnibonian sorceress, Terhali, who lies in mystic slumber in the city Yagala.

As Conan and Zephra ride in search of Yagala, we learn that greater forces are at work. Zukala serves the Lords of Law, and Kulan Gath unwittingly does the work of the powerful sorceress Xiombarg. She serves the the Lords of Chaos, rivals of the Lords of Law.

On their way, Conan and Zephra meet and skirmish with the mysterious Elric of Melnibone. They soon realize they share a common goal, that of finding Terhali, but must fight their way through Xiombarg's Hell-Hordes, led by her pawn, the evil Prince Gaynor.